Won Broadway's 2003 Tony Award as Best Actor (Featured Play - Musical)
for "Hairspray."
He saw a musical production at the Karamu House theater in Cleveland, which inspired him to audition. He met his future wife, Shirley Stollman, at the theater when they were cast in a play as a married couple.
He was a machinist and newspaper carrier in Cleveland before pursuing a career in acting.
Has three daughters Rachel Toomey, Gina Latessa, and Gabrielle Latessa, and a granddaughter.